Human Resources Investigations and Employee Relations Specialist

Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county, dedicated to achieving excellence in public service. The Human Resources Investigations and Employee Relations Specialist will perform investigative and employee relations duties, including conducting workplace investigations and assisting with labor relation processes under the direction of the Human Resource Director.

Responsibilities

• Conduct workplace investigations of employee complaints alleging violation of County policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable workplace laws and regulations
• Assist with labor relation processes, including contract negotiations and interpretation, investigating alleged or perceived unfair labor practices, field and respond to grievances
• Maintain and implement labor relations policies and procedures
• Participate in labor relations committees
• Liaise with union business agents on day-to-day requests and needs
• Ensure that collective bargaining agreements are accurate and timely processed
• Field and respond to employee relations inquiries from staff in consultation with appropriate internal stakeholders
• Provide training, education, and instruction to customers/stakeholders on a variety of topics
• May represent the County as a subject matter expert to external agencies
• May provide guidance on best practices for performance management, progressive discipline, employee relations, and personnel related issues
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or a related field
• One year of experience in negotiating, interpreting and/or administering labor agreements
• One year of experience in conducting workplace investigations
• An equivalent combination of education and experience which must include at least one year of experience in conducting workplace investigations AND one year of experience in negotiation, interpreting, and/or administering labor agreements
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in negotiating, interpreting and/or administering labor agreements
• Demonstrated knowledge of investigations and examinations in labor/management relations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently
• Ability and skill to develop, design, implement and monitor comprehensive programs, systems, policies and procedures in the labor relations examination areas
• Comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs and HRIS
• Knowledge of wage and hour laws and regulations, management/labor relations trends, human resource practices and principles
• Knowledge of government functions and organizations affecting county government
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively while working on multi projects at one time
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, cooperative and meaningful working relationships with County staff, representatives of government and private sector, policy-makers, the general public, and elected officials
• Ability to understand and apply rules, ordinances, standards and guidelines
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to deliver messages and communications professionally and positively
• Ability to organize work tasks and use time effectively
• Master's degree in Human Resources, Labor/Management Relations, Industrial Relations, or a closely related field
• PHR/SHRM Certifications or similar
• Previous public sector experience is strongly preferred

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

Company Overview